Full-Time Faculty: Julia L. Wescott, Chair; Anne Lhuillier, Peter Boehm, Genevieve L. James, Sergio Pedro, Laverne M. Seales-Saley, Margaret Stefanski, Eric Stenclik.
The Department of Modern Languages offers full and varied programs leading to majors in French, German and Spanish. Instruction is also provided in Italian, Polish and ASL . Dual majors with virtually every other academic discipline are encouraged and easy to implement. Courses in Latin and Greek are provided by the Department of Classics.
The primary goal of the department is to develop the student’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write the language(s) of his or her choice. At the same time, it strives to instill an understanding and appreciation of the culture, history, literature and diversity of other peoples. A further aim is to give the student a comprehensive grasp of the structure of language as an end in itself. In short, the department seeks to provide its students with the skills and intellectual breadth needed to communicate effectively and to play an active role in today’s world.
Proficiency in foreign languages enables students to broaden their intellectual and aesthetic horizons. Specifically, such mastery can lead to rewarding careers in social work, international business (sales, management, banking, import-export), government service (customs and immigration, foreign service, AID, USIA, CIA, NSA), teaching, interpreting and scientific research, to mention but a few. Language skill can often be the deciding factor in finding a job in competition with equally qualified but monolingual peers. Finally, proficiency in one or more foreign languages is useful and often required for students who go on to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees.
Admission
Students planning to major in French, German or Spanish are accepted only after completion of FRC 215-216, GER 215-216 or SPA 215-216 with a C average or better. In addition, each student must secure permission from the chair before the major is officially approved. Students must maintain a 2.00 G.P.A. in their French, German or Spanish courses to be eligible to graduate with a degree in French, German or Spanish. Admission to language-education and dual-major programs is governed by the same procedures.
Prerequisites and requirements for specific language courses may be summarized as follows:
1. All 103-104 courses are designed for students with no prior skill or training in the language. Students of French, Italian, or Spanish with one year of high school training in said language are not allowed to take 103-104 level courses in that language except by written permission of the department chair or an advisor. Students with two or more years of prior language training are directed to the intermediate level courses. Students with prior training in German should consult with an advisor in Modern Languages before selecting an entry-level course.Modern Language Curriculum (for Dual Majors):
2. Intermediate level courses (115-116, 117-118, 123-124) normally presuppose one or two years of high school language study. These courses stress the oral/aural approach and are generally aimed at a practical command of a foreign language for specific purposes, e.g., FRC/SPA for travel or business.
3. Review/Advanced courses (215-216 level) are open to students who have completed the intermediate level or the equivalent, normally three or four years of high school language study.
4. Courses above the 215-216 level are normally taken after successful completion of the 215-216 level. Exceptions are courses given in translation, which have no prerequisites.
5. Students enrolled in FRC/GER/SPA 103-104,115-116, 117-118, 123-124, 133-134, 323-324, ITA 103-104, 113-114, 123-124, POL 103-104 (except in the case of SPA 324)must register simultaneously for Language Lab (FRC/GER/ITA/POL/SPA 299).
| 1. | ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101(4 courses) | (12) | ||
| 2. | Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: I, II, IV, V, VI, VII1 (12 courses) | (36) | ||
| 3. | Major course requirements: (10courses) | (30) | ||
| FRC/GER/SPA 215-216 Review/Advanced French/German/ Spanish | ||||
| FRC/GER/SPA 323 Immersion | ||||
| AND | ||||
| FRC/GER/SPA 299 | ||||
| FRC/GER 324 Topics in Conv./Immersion in in Cont. | ||||
| and FRC/GER Culture | ||||
| FRC/GER 299 or SPA 324 Intro. to Hispanic Literatures |
||||
| FRC/SPA 331 Substance and Style or GER 331 Stylistics and Adv. Grammar |
||||
| FRC 332 Substance and Style, II or GER 332 Stylistics II and Translation or SPA 332 Contemporary Translation |
||||
| FRC/GER Major electives (4 courses) or SPA 451 and 3 Major electives |
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| 4. | SECOND major and FREE electives: (14 courses) | (42) | ||
| Total | (40 courses) | (120) | ||
Recommended Schedule for Dual Major:
| Fall | Spring | |||||
| Freshman Year | ||||||
| ENG 101 | 3 | ENG 102 | 3 | |||
| FRC/GER/SPA 215 | 3 | FRC/GER/SPA 216 | 3 | |||
| AS | 3 | RST 101 | 3 | |||
| AS | 3 | AS | 3 | |||
| AS | 3 | AS | 3 | |||
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 | |||
| Sophomore Year | ||||||
| PHI 101 | 3 | AS | 3 | |||
| FRC/GER/SPA 323 | 4 | FRC/GER/SPA 324 | 4 or 3 | |||
| FRC/GER/SPA 299 Other Major or free elective |
3 | FRC/GER/SPA 299 | ||||
| AS | 3 | AS | 3 | |||
| AS | 3 | Other Major or free elective | 3 | |||
| Total | 16 | Total | 15-16 | |||
| Junior Year | ||||||
| FRC/GER/SPA 331 | 1 | FRC/GER/SPA 332 | 1 | |||
| FRC/GER/SPA elective | 3 | FRC/GER/SPA elective | 3 | |||
| AS | 3 | FRC/GER/SPA AS | 3 | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 | Other Major or free elective | 3 | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 | Other Major or free elective | 3 | |||
| 3 | 3 | |||||
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 | |||
| Senior Year | ||||||
| FRC/GER/SPA elective | 3 | FRC/GER/SPA elective | 3 | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 | Other Major or free elective | 3 | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 | Other Major or free elective | 3 | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 | Other Major or free elective | 3 | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 | Other Major or free elective | 3 | |||
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 | |||
| Total | 121-122 |
Dual majors in French, German or Spanish and another department must complete FRC/GER/SPA 215-216, 323-324, 331-332 plus four French or German electives; and three Spanish electives plus SPA 451. Dual majors in two languages must complete FRC/GER/SPA 215-216, 323-324 and 331-332 in both languages plus four electives in their primary language (except in Spanish, where they must complete 3 electives and SPA 451) and two electives in their secondary language. Native speakers of Spanish may be allowed to replace one or more of the required 300-level courses with a 300- or 400-level major elective, upon consultation with their departmental advisor. Second language proficiency is required ONLY for graduate-track majors, although it is strongly advised for language-education majors.
Other Programs
Language study lends itself uniquely to the concept of the dual major. Students may combine language programs with virtually any major, but of particular interest and practicality are dual majors with international business, international relations, communication, economics, marketing-management, philosophy, history, English, political science and art history.
The department strongly advises travel and study abroad, and maintains its own unique programs at the University of Lille (France), the University of Dortmund (Germany), the University of Oviedo (Spain) and the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (Mexico). Eligible students, whether majors or not, are strongly encouraged to spend a semester of study abroad, and/or to participate in one or more of the non-academic summer internships that are maintained by the college in France, Germany, Mexico and Spain. Examples of the latter include teaching English at a school or teaching the mentally or physically challenged in France, working at a bank or insurance company in Germany, serving as a camp counselor or English teacher in Spain, or working at a hotel or law office in Mexico. Qualified students in French, German and Spanish may also opt for a community service internship in the Buffalo area in a school, hospital, or governmental agency. Through these internships students earn academic credit and gain practical experience while using and perfecting their language skills. Recent intern hosts have included hospitals, schools and social service agencies.
COURSES: 2005 - 2007
FRC 103-104 Elementary French 8
Listening, speaking, reading, writing. Introduction to French culture. Class work. Intensive analysis of culture and/or selected literary problems. Research paper required. In French. Supplemented by required aural-oral practice in Language Laboratory (FRC 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisite for 103: Permission of chair. Prerequisite for 104: FRC 103 or permission of chair.
FRC 115-116 Transitional/Intermediate French 8
Continued development in speaking, listening, writing and especially reading French literary and cultural material. Comprehensive grammar review. Lab required. (AS VIII). Prerequisites for 115: FRC 103-104 or two years of high school French. Prerequisite for 116: French 115 or permission of chair.
FRC 117 French for Travel 3
Oral/aural skills needed for coping with travel in francophonic regions. Practical situations and travel planning highlighted. Language Lab required (FRC 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisites: FRC 103-104 or two years of high school French.
FRC 118 Francophone Society and Culture 3
Contemporary politics, education, family life, popular language (inc. non-verbal communication) and popular culture (movies, TV, advertising, etc.). Language Lab required (FRC 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisites: FRC 103-104 or two years of high school French.
FRC 215-216 Review/La Francophonie 6
Overview of Francophone cultures. Review of grammar. Prerequisites: FRC 115-116 or FRC 117-118, or three years of high school French. Includes service-learning. (AS VIII)
FRC 299 French Language Lab 0
Students enrolled in FRC 103-104, 115-116, 123, 124, 133-134, 323-324 must register for one hour per week practice in Language Lab. One credit awarded per semester per course. Prerequisite: Registration for one or more of courses listed above.
FRC 300 Intermediate Internship, in France 3
Comparative study of a designated aspect of popular culture in France. For students who have not yet completed FRC 331. Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
FRC 323 Topics in Conversation I 4
Contemporary communication skills emphasized in general exploration of contemporary culture of French-speaking countries. Phonetics may be included. Language lab required.
FRC 324 Topics in Conversation II 4
Language lab required.
FRC 331 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in French, I 3
Distinguishing and producing effective writing of different sorts: essay, correspondence, description, report.
FRC 332 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in French , II 3
FRC 333-334 Survey of French and Francophone Literature , I/II 6
Selected readings of literary works from France and other French-speaking countries. In French.
FRC 337 French History 3
Chronological survey of French history from pre-historic times to Fifth Republic. Emphasis on development of Etat centralise. In French.
FRC 339 French Culture 3
Selected topics in contemporary issues of French and Francophone societies.
FRC 400 Advanced Internship, in France 3
Comparative study of a designated aspect of culture in France. For students who have already completed FRC 331. Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
FRC 451 French Seminar & Special Topics 3
FRC 499 Independent Study 3
Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
GER 103-104 Elementary German 8
Reading, conversation, grammar. Required use of Language Laboratory (GER 299) to reinforce aural-oral classwork. Introduction to German culture. (AS VIII) Prerequisite for 103: Permission of chair. Prerequisite for 104: GER 103 or permission of chair.
GER 215-216 Review/Advanced German 6
Further development of fluency in reading and writing. Discussion of difficult problems in grammar. Introduction to literary works of well known authors. (AS VIII)
GER 299 German Language Lab 0
Students enrolled in GER 103-104, 115-116, 123-124, 133-134, 323-324, 353-354 must register for one hour per week practice in Language Lab.
GER 319-320 Germany Today 6
The many political, economic, and social issues that currently beset German society. Assessment of values and attitudes. In German
GER 321 German Civilization and Culture I 3
Review and analysis of German history and culture. Introduction to German art, music, literature and philosophy. Use of films and videos. (AS III)
GER 322 German Civilization and Culture II 3
Survey of German intellectual and cultural history in the twentieth century, including the destruction of culture during the Nazi period. Formerly GER 323. (AS III)
GER 323 Immersion in German 4
Conversation on wide variety of topics, involving a sophisticated vocabulary. Writing of compositions, letters, etc. Language Lab (GER 299) required. (AS VIII)
GER 324 Immersion in Contemporary German Culture 4
Contemporary communication skills emphasized in a general exploration of contemporary culture of Germany Language lab required.
GER 331 German Stylistics and Advanced Grammar I 3
Advanced grammar concepts. Writing as process: practice exercises in personal, business, discursive and literary writing.
GER 332 Stylistics II and Contemporary Translation 3
A study of the structures and vocabularies of German and English; challenges and correspondence between both languages.
GER 341-342 Advanced German for Business 6
Advanced aural / oral and writing skills needed for working in a German speaking environment. Practical situations, technical vocabulary, and correspondence highlighted. Preparation for Wirtschaftsdeutsch International Examination. In German. Formerly GER 353-354 (AS VIII)
GER 351 German Literature before 1770 3
An examination of social and cultural as well as political changes from the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. Significant examples of cultural movements in literature, theater, music and painting, representing the Zeitgeist of each epoch.
GER 352 German Literature after 1770 3
A close look at the social and cultural as well as the political changes in Germany between the 18th and the 20th centuries. Significant examples of cultural movements (in literature, theater, music and painting as well as in social and political affairs) will be presented during this course.
GER 353 German Literature since 1945 3
A thorough inquiry into aspects of literary life in both parts of Germany before and after 1990. Reflection on the attempts by East and West German authors to distance themselves from and cope with the experience of the literature of the NAZI era.
GER 354 Thomas, Heinrich and Klaus Mann 3
Critical analysis of the works of brothers Thomas and Heinrich Mann as well as Klaus Mann, their son and nephew. Differences and similarities between their aesthetic concepts. Reading of literary works will be complemented by viewing of film adaptations.
GER 355 Günter Grass 3
Acquaints with this Nobel laureate and prominent figure of German literary and political life. A selection of five of Grass’ novels will offer the student an insight into the political and intellectual history of Germany from the 16th to the 20th centuries.
GER 356 Uwe Timm, Wolfgang Koeppen, WG Sebald, Jurek Becker and Stefan Heym 3
Selected readings from five of the most prominent post-WWII German writers. Comparison and critical analysis of literary representations of Jewish life in West- and East-German literature.
GER 361 Germany before Re-Unification 3
An examination of dissimilar political, economic, and social issues in East- and West-Germany before 1989. Assessment of values and attitudes in the two German societies. Culture and cultural politics in the East and the West.
GER 362 Germany Today 3
The ‘new’ political system in post-1989 unified Germany, the country’s cultural development, her economic structure, as well as her particular styles (!) of life. Voices from West-German and East-German authors are heard as well as assessments of foreign critics and supporters of Germany’s re-unification.
GER 365 Germany, Austria and Switzerland since 1945 3
A close look at the social and cultural as well as the political changes since the end of World War II. Significant examples of cultural movements in film, literature, and music. Also featuring a close look at the modifications in every-day life, media, in fashion and design.
GER 400 German Internship 3
Qualified students are placed in jobs or service programs where they will use and perfect language skills. Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
GER 441-442 The German Novel 6
Theoretical, historical and critical analysis of the German novel from Parzival to the postwar novels of Boll, Grass, etc. In German.
GER 451 The Age of Enlightenment 3
The works of Klopstock, Lessing and Wieland as well as those of Moses Mendelssohn. Reflection on the complex tensions of this era. Major developments in the drama, the novel, lyrical and epic poetry as well as in the fields of socio-economics, politics and philosophy will be visited.
GER 452 Contemporary German Film 3
Concentration on the period of Autorenfilm and highlighting some of its most prominent directors: Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Werner Herzog, Alexander Kluge, Edgar Reitz, Volker Schlöndorff, Jean-Marie Straub, Hans-Jürgen Syberberg, Rolf Thiele, Margarethe von Trotta, and Wim Wenders.
GER 453 Literature and Film 3
Study of six literary epochs through literature and film, stretching from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Comparison and critical analysis of prose and its adaptation in (German and foreign) film. Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
SPA 103-104 Elementary Spanish 8
Listening, speaking, reading, writing. Hispanic culture. Language Lab (SPA 299) required. (AS VIII) Prerequisite for 103: Permission of chair. Prerequisite for 104: SPA 103 or permission of chair.
SPA 115-116 Transitional/Intermediate Spanish 8
Communication skills refined through focus on everyday topics. Reading and writing skills strengthened. Spanish grammar expanded beyond simple tenses and subject-object-verb syntax. Lab required. (AS VIII). Prerequisites for 115: SPA 103-104 or two years of high school Spanish. Prerequisite for 116: SPA 115 or permission of chair.
SPA 215-216 Review/Advanced Spanish 6
Analysis of advanced grammar problems and refinement of oral/aural competence. Readings, discussions and compositions based on Peninsular and Latin-American cultures. (AS VIII)
SPA 299 Spanish Language Lab 0
Students enrolled in SPA 103-104, 115-116, 123, 124, 323-324 must register for one hour per week practice in Language Lab. One credit awarded per semester per course. Prerequisite: Registration for one or more of the courses listed above.
SPA 323 Immersion in Contemporary Hispanic Cultures 4
Contemporary communications skills emphasized in a general exploration of contemporary Spanish-speaking cultures. Language lab required.
SPA 324 Introduction to Hispanic Literatures 3
Approaches to the genres, themes and styles of literary discourse in Spanish.
SPA 331 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in Spanish 3
Distinguishing and producing effective writing of four different sorts: personal, business, newspaper and literary.
SPA 332 Contemporary Translation 3
A study of the structures and vocabularies of Spanish and English and problems of equivalencies between the two.
SPA 333-334 Survey of Spanish Peninsular Literature 6
Selected readings in Spanish Peninsular literature from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Emphasis on the Golden Age. In Spanish.
SPA 337 Hispanic Civilization and Culture I 3
Survey of outstanding achievements of Peninsular and Latin American cultures in architecture, art, music, philosophy, science and technology. Assessment of values. In Spanish. 2005-2006 only
SPA 338 Hispanic Civilization and Culture II 3
Survey of contemporary Hispanic politics, education, family life, popular culture (movies, TV, non-verbal communication, etc.) and values. In Spanish. (ICD)
SPA 343-344 Survey of Latin American Literature 6
Selected readings from works of major Latin American poets, essayists, novelists and playwrights. In Spanish. 2005-2006 only
SPA 345 Hispanic Poetry 3
Hispanic lyric, narrative, and epic poetry from the Middle Ages to the present. Introduction to Spanish versification. In Spanish. 2005-2006 only
SPA 350 Hispanic Short Stories 3
Critical survey of outstanding short stories ranging from Bécquer to Matute in Spain and Quiroga to Allende in Latin America. Special attention to film adaptations of works by authors such as Márquez and Borges.
SPA 351 Junior Spanish Seminar & Special Topics 3
Intensive analysis of selected literary works. Research paper required. In Spanish.
SPA 400 Spanish Internship 3
Qualified students are placed in jobs or service programs where they will use and perfect language skills. Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
SPA 451 Senior Spanish Seminar 3
Intensive analysis of culture and/or selected literary problems. Research paper required. In Spanish.
SPA 452 Senior Latin American Special Topics 3
SPA 473 (MGT 473) Mexican Crafts and Culture 3
Meets once a week with MGT 473, in English, for discussion of crafts of Michoacan/importation and sale. Meets once a week independently, in Spanish, for study of general Mexican culture.
SPA 499 Independent Study 3
Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
ASL 103 American Sign Language I 3
Introduction to ASL, its structure, major grammatical features and language functions. Vocabulary acquisition. Captioning and telecommunication devices. Deaf cultural information. Deaf co-teacher and deaf consultants. (AS VIII) Language lab required.
ASL 104 American Sign Language II 3
Builds on basic ASL grammar and conversational skills. Increases expressive/receptive fluency. Linguistic and cultural ASL concepts are expanded and deaf traditions studied. Deaf co-teacher and deaf consultants. (AS VIII) Language lab required. Prerequisite: ASL 103.
ASL 299 Lab 0
GREEK - See Classics Department.
ITA 103-104 Elementary Italian 8
Listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Italian culture. Language laboratory supplements classroom instruction and exercises. Language Lab required (ITA 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisite for 103: Permission of chair. Prerequisite for 104:
ITA 103 or permission of chair.
ITA 113-114 Intermediate Italian 8
Continued development of speaking, listening, writing and especially reading skills. Translation and analysis of Italian literary and cultural material. Comprehensive grammar review. Language Lab required (ITA 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisites for 115: ITA 103-104 or permission of chair. Prerequisite for 116: ITA 115 or permission of chair.
ITA 123 Italian for Travel 4
Oral/aural skills needed for coping with travel in Italian-speaking regions. Practical situations and travel planning highlighted. Language Lab required (ITA 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisites: ITA 103-104 or two years of high school Italian.
ITA 124 Italian Society and Culture 4
Contemporary politics, education, family life, popular language and culture (movies, TV, advertising, etc.). Language Lab required (ITA 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisites: ITA 103-104 or two years of high school Italian.
ITA 299 Italian Language Lab 0
Students enrolled in ITA 103-104, 113-114, 123, or 124 must register for one hour per week practice in Language Lab. One credit awarded per semester per course. Prerequisite: Registration for one or more of courses listed above.
ITA 499 Independent Study 3
Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
LATIN - See Classics Department.
POL 103 -104 Elementary Polish 8
Listening, reading, conversation, writing. Required use of Language Laboratory (POL 299) to reinforce aural-oral classwork. Intro. to Polish culture. (AS VIII) Prerequisite for 103: Permission of chair and/or instructor. Prerequisite for 104: POL 103, or permission of chair or instructor.
POL 299 Polish Language Lab 0
Students enrolled in POL 103-104 must register for one hour per week practice in Language Lab.
1 Areas III and VIII are automatically fulfilled because this program is in both the art/literature and language areas.
2 Students who have had fewer than 3 years of French, German or Spanish will begin the major at 115-116, for a total of 12 courses